La Pizzeria Italiana

I totally agree that this is the best Pizzeria that I have eaten in in South East London and I have not found another as good locally. Unfortunately I have had two very unpleasant experiences with the manager / owner of the establishment which has resulted in us boycotting it ever since. This was quite some time ago but I still am smarting at the whole experience.

My husband and I used to regularly go until we had our baby. We always thought that an Italian restaurant would have a real family atmosphere. We booked in on a Saturday evening and we were told really rudely that it it wasn't appropriate for us to bring our baby at the weekend as it would put off other guests. It soured our enjoyment as he made it abundantly clear with his attitude that we were not welcome. She actually hardly made a peep throughout the whole meal.The manager then complained that our 6 month old baby had spilt water on the menu (when she had been asleep or really quietly strapped into her baby seat) and it was in fact me who spilt it and the menu was laminated!

Another time I ordered 10 large pizzas to take away for a party. I had arranged with a member of staff to collect when they opened at 5.30pm. I arrived late at 6pm as I had loads of guests to deal with. Again the manager was incredibly accusatory. One of my guests was with me and was shocked at how rude he was.

We go to a lot of restaurants and have had varied service but I have never felt I had to boycot a place. I will only go back if I know the manager has changed. I have honestly told my friends in Catford that if they want good food then go there, but beware of the insolent manager. By the way the other staff have always been charming and actually looked embarrassed during the takeaway incident.
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VL - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 10
Friday, September 30, 2011

I am luckier than most, I found this gem of a restaurant in 1986 and have been a regular ever since. Good food, great atmosphere and attentive staff make this an excellent night out. If you love Italian food, You'll love La Pizzeria Italiana, One of South East London's best kept secrets.
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Graham Ellis
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, September 17, 2011

Granted that I am an Italian guy from South of Italy and I literally HATE all the company like PIZZA EXPRESS, CARLUCCIO, ZIZZY etc where it's all about MARKETING, I think that this Pizzeria in Catford is maybe the best one I have ever tried before in London.

I used to go very often in an Italian Trattoria in Clapham South, but the food here is deliciuous and the pizza is made on in a excellent oven.

The coffee as well deserve an ovation.. GREAT !

see ya tonight then ! i m so starviiiing !
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, July 18, 2011

went there for a work leaving party, and had the best time ever. The food was great, the staff were so friendly, and the atmosphere was superb, we will be going back very soon
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Theresa
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Best Pizzeria this side of anywhere. I have been going here fairly regularly for the best part of twenty plus years. The management has changed once (I think in that time) but otherwise the food and the prices have continued to surpass all competitors. You will never want to eat in one of those typical high street pizza joints again after this authentic Italian run, non-pretentious pizza restaurant. Bella!
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Eamonn
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Easily the best restaurant in Catford but to be honest there isn't really any other competition in the area.

Just one criticism. The two tables in the middle we will not sit at as you seem to be on display. I reluctantly will but it is a definite No No for my husband. You definitely need to book so you don't end up on one of those. Saying that if the restaurant was any bigger it would lose some of its appeal.

Everything else is great, atmosphere, food and service. Cannot fault it. It is especially lovely for a special family occasion.

It is a real pizza not any of this rubbish they sell in the pizza chain restaurants!

And they play Italian music ...... Lovely.
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Marg Strevett
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Thursday, March 10, 2011

Regular visitor (though not often enough) and always delighted by the fresh tasty food (they really care about the ingredients - nothing pre-packaged here), the friendly efficient service and the reasonable prices. Really the ideal neighbourhood pizzeria (and I am lucky to live neaby).
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John House
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, January 11, 2011

This is easily the best pizza restaurant in SE London. Saying that all the non-pizzas are great too, they make the most wonderful baked avocado starter. It's child friendly and the staff are welcoming. Value for money and they cope well with group bookings.
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, November 13, 2009

It's not in a promising location, but don't be put off. This nice airy spot serves up good, fairly basic Italian food in an informal setting. I was delighted to find such a nice restaurant knocking out a lot of the kind of stuff that you often struggle to find outside of Italy.

On my first visit I steered clear of some of my favourites, like ravioli, because I figured a lot of places buy these in and I might as well do that myself. But seeing what other lucky diners got I'll be changing my strategy next time. Anyway, my pizza was large and freshly made - a million miles away from those nasty cheesy biscuit things that Pizza Express inflict on you. And a fair bit more reasonably priced too.

There were a lot of specials on the board too, so I figure that if you come here a lot you'll find there's a reasonable amount of variety.

The night I was in it appeared to be full of families and regulars. It's noisy and informal, which is no bad thing. There's a decent house wine and a short list of Italian favourites - the most expensive of which weighs in at £13. I think they were all DOC (Italian wine quality mark). In this day and age you can't go wrong with that. Decent coffee too: really I can find no downside to this place.
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Antonio Cavaldoro
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, July 28, 2009